Job Title

Do you want to work for a health care organization that changes people's lives? One that not only cares deeply about clients, but also values that its employees are its greatest asset?Vision Loss Rehabilitation Canada is a unique health services organization that serves people who are blind or partially sighted across the country. Our certified specialists provide training that empowers clients to develop or to restore activities of daily living skills, to promote their independence, to enhance safety and mobility. We collaborate closely with ophthalmologists, optometrists, and other health care professionals, by providing essential care on a referral basis in homes, workplaces and communities across the country.We offer competitive salaries and benefits, flexible schedules, and opportunities for professional development and growth.For more information about Vision Loss Rehabilitation Canada, please visit visionlossrehab.ca or call 1-844-887-8572.Position Title: Director of Public AffairsLocation: Hybrid, can work out of any VLRC office in CanadaTerm: Full-time, PermanentReports To: Vice President, Healthcare InnovationDate: June 24, 2025I. Scope And Summary Of Primary ResponsibilitiesThe Director of Public Affairs is a key leadership role within Vision Loss Rehabilitation Canada (VLRC), responsible for developing and executing strategies to influence public policy, secure government funding, and enhance stakeholder relationships at the federal and provincial level.Reporting directly to the VP, Healthcare Innovation, the Director will lead advocacy initiatives, foster strategic partnerships, and ensure alignment with VLRC's strategic goals.II. Essential FunctionsThis position entails, but is not limited to the following:Government Relations Strategy and AdvocacyDevelop and implement a comprehensive government relations strategy aligned with VLRC's strategic objectives and VLRC's role in Canada's national strategy to support the prevention and treatment of eye disease, as well as vision rehabilitation, to ensure better health outcomes for CanadiansAdvocate for policies and funding that support vision rehabilitation and vision health servicesMonitor legislative and regulatory developments that impact VLRC and its stakeholdersAnalyze emerging and current socio-economic and political issues, as well as government legislation/policies that are expected to impact VLRC and Canadians with sight lossCollaborate with colleagues at CNIB and Deafblind Community Services to operationalize goals of 'Stronger Together' in all aspects of government relations and public policy initiativesStakeholder Engagement and PartnershipsEstablish and maintain strong relationships with government officials, policymakers, and relevant stakeholdersCollaborate with advocacy groups, healthcare organizations, and vision health partners to advance shared policy goalsRepresent VLRC in public forums, industry events, and government consultations to advocate for VLRC's mission and strategic prioritiesCommunications and BriefingsWrite briefing notes, policy papers, and position statements to communicate VLRC's perspectives to decision-makersPrepare comprehensive reports, presentations, and advocacy materials for internal and external stakeholdersProvide strategic advice to senior leadership on political and policy developmentsWork with communications teams to develop digital advocacy campaigns and leverage opportunities to amplify VLRC's prioritiesMeeting Coordination and RepresentationOrganize and coordinate meetings with elected officials, senior bureaucrats, and key stakeholders to influence policy discussionsAttend legislative hearings, committee meetings, and public consultations to represent VLRC's interests and provide subject matter expertiseFacilitate productive discussions and follow-up actions post-meetings to advance VLRC's advocacy objectivesLeadership and CollaborationCollaborate with cross-functional teams to support advocacy initiatives and campaigns, ensuring cohesive messaging and strategic alignmentProvide strategic support and advice to the Executive Leadership Team on government relations and public policyAct as an ambassador for VLRC, representing and promoting the organization at relevant external eventsActively networks and maintains relationships with internal and external stakeholders to support the execution of VLRC's strategic plan and further its missionRelationshipsInternal Collaboration: President's Office, VP Healthcare Operations, Executive Leadership Team and cross-functional departmentsExternal Stakeholders: Elected officials, government agencies, advocacy organizations, healthcare partners, vision health stakeholders and community leadersInfluence and Diplomacy: Manage multiple relationships through strategic influence, diplomacy, information sharing, value-added expertise, and effective facilitationRequirementsIII. QualificationsKnowledge and Skill Requirements:In-depth knowledge of the Canadian political landscape and government decision-making processes at federal, provincial and municipal levelsProven ability to develop and implement effective government relations and advocacy strategies in alignment with strategic prioritiesExceptional written and verbal communication skills, including public speaking and presentation abilitiesStrategic thinking with strong analytical and problem-solving skills to navigate complex policy environmentsHigh level of professionalism, diplomacy, and political acumen for effective stakeholder engagement and relationship managementAbility to work in a fast-paced environment and manage multiple priorities with a strategic and solutions-oriented mindsetStrong leadership and team collaboration skills, with the ability to influence and inspire cross-functional teams and stakeholdersExperience and Education:Minimum 5 years of experience in government relations, public policy, or advocacy, preferably in healthcare or non-profit sectorsEstablished network within government and public policy stakeholders is highly desirableExperience working with national and provincial health policy frameworks is considered an assetDemonstrated success in influencing public policy, securing government funding, and leading advocacy initiativesBachelor's degree in Political Science, Public Administration, Communications, or a related field is requiredMaster's degree in Public Policy, Healthcare Administration, or related discipline is preferredWork Environment:Occasional travel will be required to attend meetings, conferences, and public consultationsHybrid work environment with flexibility to work from any VLRC office across CanadaSuccess in this role will be measured by the effectiveness of advocacy initiatives, stakeholder engagement, and the achievement of policy and funding objectivesBenefitsApply Now!If this sounds like the role for you, apply now to sure to include a resume, cover letter, and mention how you heard about this opportunity.VLRC is committed to creating and fostering an inclusive workplace and we are committed to a fair, transparent, and accessible recruitment process. We strongly encourage applications from members of groups that have been historically disadvantaged and marginalized, including but not limited to Indigenous peoples, racialized persons, persons with disabilities, people who are blind, partially sighted, or deafblind, and those who identify as women and/or 2SLGBTQ+.We strongly encourage applications from applicants with sight loss. Direct lived experience would be a definite asset.VLRC is committed to accommodating applicants with disabilities and will work with applicants requesting accommodations at any stage of the hiring process. Please note that a successful candidate will be required to pass a standard Vulnerable Sector Check.Not sure if you qualify? Think about applying anyway!We understand that not everyone brings 100% of the skills and experience for the role. If you possess similar experience to what we've listed above, we encourage you to apply. We believe that diverse experience, transferable skills, and passion are key!We thank all applicants for their interest in VLRC, however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.Closing Date for Applications: July 11, 2025 #J-18808-Ljbffr